James: Your neighbor! Is she single?
Me: Yup. The two kids in the pictures are hers.
I figure it’s best to let him know what he’s pursuing on the off-chance kids aren’t his thing.
James: Are we friends, Clara? How do you have a hot, single neighbor and not mention it to your hot, single childhood bestie?
Me: You’re right. I suck. I’ll make it right.
James: All you have to do is make the introduction. That woman is going to be my wife.
This time, I burst out laughing, but it’s perfect timing because everyone else is laughing too. Derek’s dad is talking about the wedding cakes again. Apparently, there was drama between Riko and Derek’s moms. It’s why they have two wedding cakes. Ridiculous and over the top, but also funny as hell.
Me: You’ve been spending too much time with Eric. His caveman ick is splashing over onto you.
James: Grunt. Wife. Mine.
Me: Send me a selfie. Make it look good.
Seconds later, he sends me a picture. He’s trying to look broody, but I see straight through it. James is kind of a nerd. But he’s a good guy and deserves a good woman. Linda has done her best with her kids. They might be a perfect match. I know I’ll have my fingers crossed.
Once the toasts are over and the cakes have been cut, I leave Casey and Brayden to find Linda. Eric’s gaze tracks me and I shiver.
“Hey, girl,” I say, sidling up to Linda. “You drunk yet?”
She snorts out a laugh. “Toasty but good. Reid and Emma are going to drive us home, though. Don’t worry.”
“You’re a good mom. I’m not worried.”
Her eyes fill with tears and she jerks me to her for a hug. “Thank you. I don’t hear that enough and I needed that.”
Emotion clogs my throat. I feel like a witch for not trying to get to know her better. That ends today. Especially if we’re going to see a lot more of her soon.
“So,” I say, beaming at her. “You have a secret admirer.”
She laughs and waves me off. “Oh, stop.”
I pull up my phone and show her a picture of James. “Seriously. He thinks you’re hot and wants me to introduce the two of you. James is a childhood friend of mine.”
“Oh,” she says tugging my phone closer. “That man is fine. Are you sure he was talking about me?”
“You’re literally the only cute redhead here besides your two spawns.”
She smirks. “Give him my number. Don’t let him get away.”
“He’s not going anywhere,” I assure her with a laugh. “He said you’re going to be his wife.”
Her eyes widen and she gapes at me. “That’s so hot.”
“I mean, I guess in a creeper kind of way.”
“Hey, that’s my move,” a deep voice says before I’m enveloped in a tight hug from behind. “I can’t believe he’s stealing all my tricks. What a douchebag.”
“Be nice to my husband,” Linda teases.
Riko chooses this moment and kisses Linda noisily on the cheek. “Did I hear husband? Speaking of husbands, mine is hot as fuck. I can’t wait to make this marriage official later. Will he like my jeweled butt plug?”
Oh my God. He’s so loud. Half the reception hall glances our way.
